Be careful this summer with fireworks, campfires

June 05, 2007

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The City of Charlevoix Fire Department asks Charlevoixans to be careful with fire.

Every year we look forward to summer vacations, camping, family reunions, picnics, and the Fourth of July. Summertime, however, also brings fires and injuries due to fireworks and outdoor grills. Annually more than 8,000 Americans are injured by fireworks and grill fires. More than half these injuries occur during the first week of July.

Fireworks Safety

The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public fireworks displays put on by professionals who know how to safely handle fireworks.

If you plan to use fireworks, make sure they are legal in your area.

Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.

Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby. Know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly.

Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks.

Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. If a device does not go off, do not stand over it to investigate it. Put it out with water and dispose of it.

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Always read the directions and warning labels on fireworks. If a device is not marked with the contents, direction and a warning label, do not light it.

Supervise children around fireworks at all times.

Barbecue Safety

Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the venturi tubes - where the air and gas mix - are not blocked.

Do not overfill the propane tank.

Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue.

Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the flames can flashback up into the container and explode.

Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Supervise children around outdoor grills.

Dispose of hot coals properly - douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.

Never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas - carbon monoxide could be produced.

Make sure everyone knows to Stop, Drop and Roll in case a piece of clothing does catch fire. Call 911 or your local emergency number if a burn warrants serious medical attention.

Campfire Safety

Build campfires where they will not spread, away from dry grass and leaves.

Keep campfires small, and don't let them get out of hand.

Never leave campfires unattended.

Always be sure your debris fire and/or campfire is completely extinguished before leaving it unattended. Improperly extinguished fires are one of the leading causes of wildfires. They also are a major cause of burns among children. Hundreds of children are burned each year when they fall into or walk over an improperly extinguished fire.

Drown your fire with plenty of water. Wet everything thoroughly, especially the undersides of unburned pieces. Stir the ashes to find any hot spots - you will see and hear steam escape when you find one. Wet everything again with more water;

Do not simply bury your fire with soil. In most cases, this will not extinguish the fire.